Packers 2016 Draft: Ranking the top-25 defensive linemen

Tier 2: Early-Round Defensive Linemen

9. Austin Johnson, Penn State (6-4, 314, 5.33)
Johnson is a viable day two option at nose tackle. He’s a strong, massive defensive lineman who’s active against the run and will hustle and chase down ball carriers. He was the most impressive player on a very talented Penn State front seven, recording 6.5 sacks and 15 tackles for loss in 2015, which demonstrated his ability to make explosive plays behind the line of scrimmage. He’s a good option for the Packers if they don’t grab a defensive lineman with their first pick. (Projection: Round 2)

10. Javon Hargrave, SC State (6-1, 309, 4.93)
If you want to watch impressive defensive lineman film, look up some of Hargrave’s games at SC State. He led the FCS in 2014 in sacks as a defensive tackle with a whopping 16, and then followed it up with another outstanding season as a senior with 13.5 sacks. Add to this 45.5 tackles for loss in his final two years in college and Hargrave’s resume of production is nothing short of impressive. On film, Hargave is disruptive, quick, and dominant at the point of attack. He makes plays against both the run and pass and is one of the most impressive small-school prospects in this year’s class. I’d love to see what he could do lined up next to Mike Daniels in the Packers nickel defense. (Projection: Rounds 2-3)

11. Chris Jones, Mississippi State (6-6, 310, 5.03)
Jones has plenty of ability and athleticism, not to mention ideal size to be a starting five-tech defensive end in the NFL. However, Jones widely underperformed in his time at Mississippi State and many have questioned his effort on the field. Only 8.5 career sacks as a three-year starter is not enough for a defensive tackle prospect whose strength is supposed to be his ability to rush the passer. On film, Jones has a handful of impressive plays, which is why so many are excited about his potential, but some of his film is just plain awful. Jones tends to play too high, gets moved too easily off his spot, and lacks discipline against the run. Any team that drafts Jones will do so confident their coaches can clean up Jones’ game and tap into his potential on the field. (Projection: Rounds 2-3)

12. Bronson Kaufasi, BYU (6-6, 285, 4.87)
Kaufasi had impressive production at BYU, recording 26 sacks and 39 tackles for loss as a four-year starter. However, the former Cougar defensive end is much more than just an effective pass rusher. His ability to seal the edge and be a stalwart run defender is something that makes him stand out among other defensive ends in this class. I like him a lot as an option for Green Bay late on day two as a well-balanced defensive end in their 3-4 front. (Projection: Rounds 2-3)

13. Adolphus Washington, Ohio State (6-3, 301, 5.17)
Washington is a tough player to project. At times, he looked like the most impressive player in a very talented Ohio State defense. However, off-field concerns and some inconsistencies as a run defender could hurt his overall draft stock and push him out of the early rounds on draft week. He was suspended for Ohio State’s bowl game after he solicited an under cover police officer in December. He also seems like a better fit as a three-technique defensive tackle in a 4-3 front, where he can be disruptive. I don’t envision him holding the point and two-gapping as a 3-4 defensive end in the NFL. (Projection: Rounds 3-4)

Next: Tier 3: Mid-Round DLs